Inside Unmanned Systems

APR-MAY 2018

Inside Unmanned Systems provides actionable business intelligence to decision-makers and influencers operating within the global UAS community. Features include analysis of key technologies, policy/regulatory developments and new product design.

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38 April/May 2018 unmanned systems
inside
SPECIAL REPORT NASA TECHNOLOGY
Rather than focusing on a completely electric
solution, Bell Helicopter is developing a hybrid
system, Director of Innovation Scott Drennan
said. The company will move toward a com-
pletely electric battery once energy densities be-
come more viable. With the hybrid propulsion
system, the aircraft will be able to carry four
or five passengers and travel longer distances
than if it were fully electrically powered, though
Drennan isn't saying exactly how far yet.
The company also isn't revealing the system's
configuration, Drennan said, because for now
they want to focus on introducing customers to
this new experience. Bell is exhibiting at large
technology shows, such as CES and SXSW,
where they're providing consumers with a vir-
tual reality experience of what rides will be like
in the Bell systems.
Bell is one of five air taxi developers work-
ing with Uber Elevate, which was launched
to help develop an ecosystem for UAM, said
Tom Prevot, director of airspace systems for
Uber Elevate. Aurora Flight Sciences, Pipistrel
Aircraft, Embraer and Mooney are the others.
At first, three to four passengers will have the
ability to travel 25 to 60 miles, which is where
he sees the limits will be based on battery
capacity.
Photos courtesy NASA.
NASA and others
are working to develop
UAM, a system that
will enable multiple air
taxis to safely transport
people as well as cargo
throughout large cities.